The problem
On certain school buses, galvanic corrosion on the die cast adapter plate causes distortion of the wagon wheel seals that are mounted on the adapter plate. If the seals become distorted, the tipper valves cannot properly seat against the wagon wheel seals. If the tipper valves cannot seat completely, the fluid can back flow past the valves towards the reservoir and create a pressure loss for the front brakes, the rear brakes, or both.
The risk
This condition can result in an extended stopping distance without warning to the driver and the driver may feel the pedal fade or go completely to the floor, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and the master cylinders found to have the original die cast adapter plate design will be replaced. Owner notification began march 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.
Contacts
Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized International Harvester dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V055000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.